SAGAING DIVISION – Were Tiger Guerilla Force, Company 3, Battalion 16 of Yinmabin District PDF released that they awarded 50 lakhs to a junta police who surrendered to the People’s Defence Force (PDF) in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Division with weapon.
Bo. Aouk Swel, commander of Battalion 16 of Yinmabin District PDF said that the surrendered junta police contacted the Were Tiger Guerilla Force and surrendered as he wished to stand on the right side.
He was a policeman from Salingyi Police Station and has reportedly conveyed his wishes to fight together with the PDF soldiers.
It has been reported that he surrendered with one G-3 gun, four cartridges, two hundred 7.62 bullets, one grenade, one knife and one bullet-proof vest to battalion 16 of Yinmabin District PDF on December 20 about 3:30 a.m.
Commander Bo. Aouk Swel said that there had already been three people who surrendered with weapons to battalion 16 of Yinmabin District PDF after the military coup.
The Ministry of Defence of National Unity Government stated on September 7 that there were over 14,000 junta police and soldiers who changed to the people’s side. There were 3,235 junta soldiers and 10,356 polices including officers of lieutenant colonel ranks.
In addition, hundreds of junta troops have surrendered as battalion after the launch of Operation 1027 in Northern Shan State.
The weakened junta council has been trying to reinforce its numbers in many ways such as releasing the imprisoned deserters and sending the reserve forces to the front lines.